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-----Original Message-----
From: Drug Abatement Research Discussion [mailto:DRUGHIED@listserv.tamu.edu]
On Behalf Of John Steiner
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 12:12 PM
To: DRUGHIED@listserv.tamu.edu
Subject: Re: a semantical question
You probably know this but what you described sounds like what AA's call
"a slip". This is in contrast to a full scale relapse, the difference
being that when a slip occurs, the one who slips (slipper?) gets right
back up on the horse, i.e., he/she calls a sponsor, gets to a meeting,
or does whatever it takes to refrain from repeating the behavior, while
relapse connotes going off on a "run".
But then you mention "what I'm feeling when I light up" so I guess you
might be looking for a noun rather than a verb-- boy, that's a lot
tougher to put into words. Before I got recovery years ago I remember
being in that place. It's what I call being on the "threshold of a
choice" in other words, you haven't done it yet - but you sort of know
you're going to, you really know you're asking for trouble- but somehow
it will be alright this time. For me, the psychological state seemed
almost dissociative; like there was some force (addiction left
untreated? Spiritual bankruptcy?) shoving any reason below the level of
consciousness. More of a "split" than a "slip".
I don't know if I'm even on track with your semantic question, but it
brought up my interest in what happens at that moment of choice. Thanks
for being a thought provoker.
John Steiner
UNM/COSAP
>>> chapman@LASALLE.EDU 1/23/2004 12:00:01 PM >>>
I am working on a diagram to accompany lectures or discussions on
relapse
prevention--steeped in Cognitive Behavior therapy, harm reduction, and
principles of motivational interviewing. In any even, I find myself
stuck
in a search for the "right term" to use to refer to one of my points.
If the "front end" marker of a lapse in changed behavior is the craving
or
urge to pursue the changed behavior, "smoke" for example, then what
term
best captures the feeling or condition that exists when the individual
actually engages in the behavior, i.e., lapses?
If I an experiencing the urge to smoke or have the "craving" to smoke
right
now, what word/term best describes what I am feeling as I light up?
It's Friday and I am juggling a half dozen balls in the air at the
same
time this week and this is likely a "Forrest and the trees" thing so I
look
forward to some clarity from my colleagues :)
Best regards,
Robert
Robert J. Chapman, PhD
Coordinator, AOD Program
Associate Faculty, Clinical/Counseling Psychology
La Salle University
1900 W. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199
Phone: 215-951-1357 Fax: 215-951-1451
mailto:chapman@lasalle.edu
home page http://www.robertchapman.net
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